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Sleep Medicine Circadian Rhythm

What is a Circadian Rhythm?

We all have an internal clock that regulates our cycle of sleep and wake around a 24 hour period. Our internal clock allows us to sleep at night and remain awake during the day time. Some people’s internal clocks predispose them to being night owls (staying up late and waking up late) while others tend to be morning larks (going to bed early and waking up early). While we can change our behaviors and our sleep schedule to try and adjust our internal clock, setting your sleep and wake times in accordance with your natural internal rhythm provides the most refreshing and satisfying sleep. Unfortunately, life’s demands such as school and work start times do not always allow us to adhere to our preferred sleep schedules. The internal clock works best when we maintain a regular sleep schedule including regular wake times and exposure to light upon awakening.

Circadian rhythms can sometimes become disrupted for various reasons, most commonly shift work and jet lag. The most common types of circadian rhythm sleep disorders are: